The term "anal sex" is often used to mean the insertion of the penis into the rectum.
In several cultures female receptive anal intercourse in a heterosexual context is widely accepted, especially as there is lower risk of unwanted pregnancy via unprotected anal intercourse (though this is not an absolute guarantee, since semen can leak from the anus, across the perineum, and enter the vagina). Anal sex is even sometimes seen as preserving female virginity, because it leaves the hymen intact. Another reason is that the anus is considered to be "tighter" than the vagina (especially right after a delivery), therefore yielding more tactile pleasure for the penis.
Among homosexual male couples who have anal sex(also refered to as sodomy), some comprise a true top and bottom, but this is not always the case: many men in such couples have anal sex as both top and bottom at different times, also known as "versatile" or "switch."
In certain contexts male-male anal intercourse between males who otherwise identify as heterosexual is seen as a temporary behaviour to which they resort when confined in single-sex environments. Some men have sex with men without categorizing themselves as gay or bisexual.
It is important for both heterosexual and homosexual couples to use a condom when engaging in anal sex to help reduce the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections such as HIV.
The anal cavity is approximately 9 inches deep and does not normally accept objects being inserted into it. Some people claim that the expansion and contraction of the anal muscles is what makes the act pleasurable. There are others, namely males, who claim that it is the stimulation of their prostate gland while receiving anal sex that causes them physical pleasure. There are even others that claim that they enjoy anal sex not physically, but for reasons of submission or providing satisfaction to their partner. There are many positions in which to engage in anal sex.
Anal sex positions
1. Doggy style
This involves either a man and a woman or 2 men or 2 women (one wearing a strap-on dildo or vibrator). One of the couple gets on all fours on the ground and the other partner crouches behind and inserts his penis into the vagina or the anus. The name 'doggy style' is used as this is the way dogs have sex.
2. Blissful baby
Term for a sexual position used in anal sex. Named after the yoga position, the receptive partner lies on their back and brings their legs up to their chest to expose their anus. The yoga position requires the feet to be touching sole to sole, however, in reality the exact positioning of the legs is open to interpretation. The active partner can then assume a variety of positions to penetrate including kneeling or a missionary style position.
3. Spooning
Spooning is a form of cuddling where two or more people lie down on their sides facing the same way so that their bodies curve the same way somewhat resembling the eating utensil.
While spooning, a male partner can fondle the female partner's breasts, play with her nipples, etc. Even while the male partner's penis is flaccid, he can still be close to her/his rear and rub them. Gay men often spoon during anal sex and afterwards allowing the erect, spent penis to gently subside in their partner's anus. The couple can stay engaged for a long time before the flaccid penis eventually slips out.Some men can fall to sleep in the engaged spoon position after sex. It is particularly pleasurable and complements an act of gay love.
4. Sitting on it
Cleaning & Preparation
The rectum should be clean before anal sex to avoid feces (poop, shit) from getting all over sheets and people. This can sound funny, but is actually a serious matter because feces contain lots of micro-organisms than can make people sick. Having a clean rectum before anal sex is also important because it helps the lube work more effectively. A very safe and affordable way to clean the rectum is by using a bulb syringe or ear syringe. The syringe is filled with luke warm water by squeezing the bulb and then inserting the bulb into the anus and expelling the water into the toilet. This process is repeated until the rectum feels "full" (as if a bowel movement or diarrhea feeling were close) and then the water is expelled into the toilet. The syringe can then be cleaned and re-used.
Penetration Advice
The anus consists of 2 circular 'sphincter' muscles. We only have active control of one muscle - the outer sphincter or anal ring. The inner ring is not under conscious control and so can be relaxed passively by 'being relaxed' or with gentle manual stimulation and massage usually with a finger.
Another technique is to "bear down" as the dildo or penis is being slowly and gently inserted. This means that as the dildo or penis goes in, the person receiving it actually pushes out like they are having a bowel movement (taking a shit). This seems like it would have the opposite effect than wanted, but this action relaxes the anal muscles so the body can expel waste (or allow for anal entry) without causing pain. However, it goes without saying that you should first have your rectum clean before "bearing down" or pushing.
As the anus does not self lubricate like a vagina, additional lubrication is essential for anal sex. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are the most appropriate and will not degrade condoms. Petroleum and oil based lubricants (vaseline or even regular lotion) are not recommended, even if only used for sex toys. These oil based lubes can coat the inner lining of the rectum and cause infections and irritation.
It is very important with anal sex to avoid using condoms or lubricant containing No9 or Noxyl-9. It is a chemical spermicide that can irritate the anal lining and increase the likelihood of bleeding and infection. This in turn increases the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections such as AIDS/HIV.
